by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Mayor John Peyton was one of a band of dedicated Art Walkers who bundled up and braved the cold Wednesday night. He was there to visit the new “Off the Grid” galleries, a partnership between property owners, Downtown Vision, Inc., the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and local artists.
The initiative connects landlords who have available space with artists who need space to paint or sculpt and then exhibit and sell their work.
“Vacancy does not serve building owners,” said Peyton. “We have so much wonderful space Downtown and artists need space to work. This is a perfect marriage.”
Amy Crane, Cultural Council deputy director, commented, “This project is a lot of fun because DVI is so focused on Downtown and the Cultural Council is so focused on promoting the arts and artists. Neither one of us could do this alone. It’s that synergy and collaboration that’s making ‘Off the Grid’ work.”
There are currently five galleries that have opened through the partnership with another set to debut next month.
Mayor John Peyton met artist Matt Abercrombie and got a tour of 229, the “Off the Grid” gallery on Hogan Street near Hemming Plaza.
Elizabeth Ash, Lauren Ferguson and Wendy Hummel represented the United Way and the Give5live.org initiative. Not many people decided to dip their hands into wet paint and leave their mark on the mural that was set up in front of Chamblin’s Uptown.
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